Classic Eventing Nation

Struggling with FOMO? Buy Tickets to Great Meadow International!

By on Feb 19, 2018 11:00 am -

Jan Byyny and Inmidair at the 2017 Great Meadow International. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We have 29 days to go until the start of spring, and for eventers spending the winter in colder parts of the country where you’ve forgotten what grass looks like, that might as well be an eternity. You’ve done more circles around the indoor than you can count, planned your 2018 eventing season with alternative scenarios A to Z, and you’re desperate to go cross country again.

How do eventers combat the winter doldrums? By planning trips to the biggest events in the country, of course! If you’re searching for a summer road trip, look no further than North America’s only eventing Nations Cup leg, the Brook Ledge Great Meadow International, presented by Adequan, in The Plains, Virginia. Ticket sales officially opened last week!

The Nations Cup CICO3* at Great Meadow will be held July 6-8, 2018. Located in the heart of Virginia horse country and only 50 miles from Washington, D.C., attending Great Meadow International is the perfect opportunity for a weekend getaway. Going to the event is a fabulous excuse to explore the rich horse history of Middleburg and beyond, not to mention grab a beer with friends at favorite local watering hole The Red Fox.

Phillip Dutton and I’m Sew Ready at the 2017 Great Meadow International. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Not only can you watch the top event riders from all around the world compete at Great Meadow International — Great Britain has sent a team for the past two years — but U.S. Eventing Performance Director Erik Duvander has also named Great Meadow a U.S. team prep event ahead of the 2018 World Equestrian Games at Tryon. More than 15,000 spectators are expected to be in attendance, and you definitely don’t want to miss out.

This year Great Meadow has a new sponsor in Brook Ledge Horse Transportation. The Meadow Market is receiving a complete overhaul for the 2018 event, with a new layout featuring a stage for demonstrations and mini educational lectures. There will be live music throughout the weekend in the beer and wine garden overlooking the main arena. You can also win prizes and special discounts through the Meadow Market Scavenger Hunt — stay tuned for more details!

Great Meadow is renowned for tailgating during the famed Virginia Gold Cup, and has now added tailgating overlooking the arena for both days of competition at the Nations Cup. Both the ringside tailgate spaces and reserved ringside boxes will give a prime viewing spot for the Bareback Puissance on Friday evening, which is free and open to the public following the first horse inspection.

Colleen Loach and Quorry Blue d’Argouges representing Canada at Great Meadow. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Dressage kicks off on Saturday morning in the main arena with world class footing from Attwood Equestrian Services, followed by show jumping in the evening. The competition concludes on Sunday with cross country and the prize giving. Live music will be on stage throughout all three days of competition, with plenty of shopping, food and drink, and activities for the whole family.

With the Great Meadow International box office opening last week, now is your chance to purchase discount tickets at early bird pricing, which will be available through March 31. General admission is $25 for a one-day car pass or $40 for a weekend car pass, and parking is free. Click on the following links to purchase tickets: General Admission, Ringside Boxes, Tailgating, VIP Tent.

Click here to view the full event schedule. Be sure to follow the Brook Ledge Great Meadow International, presented by Adequan, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visit the event website to lean more. Will you be attending Great Meadow this year? Let us know in the comments below.

Great Meadow Links: Website, Schedule, Tickets, Vendors

FEI Season Gets Going in Area VI, Tamra Smith Cleans Up at Fresno County

By on Feb 19, 2018 9:00 am -

Helen Bouscaren and Ebay. Photo by Shelby Allen.

While Rocking Horse got the Advanced season under way on the East Coast this weekend, Fresno County Horse Park in Fresno, CA, kicked off the first Advanced and FEI events of 2018 on the West Coast. Also on the schedule were Beginner Novice through Intermediate divisions, making for a busy weekend.

Helen Bouscaren and her 9-year-old Oldenburg, Ebay, kicked off the year in grand form. They won the CIC2* division to clinch their third consecutive win at the level. Scoring a 32.7 for third place after dressage, they held their position with a downed rail, but moved up to win after posting one of only two double clear cross country rounds in the division.

Derek di Grazia and his 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Ringwood Justice, were the leaders after the first two phases with a 29.1 on the flat and four penalties added in show jumping. Unfortunately, one extra second on cross country narrowly cost them the win.

Third place went to Tamie Smith and Sunsprite Warmbloods’ 10-year-old Trakehner, Sunsprite Syrius, the only other pair besides the winners to run double clear across the country. They finished on 38.2 in his first run since winning the Fair Hill International CCI2* in October.

Tamie took home two big wins in the CIC* and Advanced divisions. She and the MB Group LLC’s 8-year-old German Warmblood mare, MaiBlume, led the CIC* from the start, adding nothing to their dressage score of 31.1.

 

MaiBlume won the CIC1* this weekend ending on her Dressage score of 31.1.
It’s been a fun task of negotiating with this special girl, but it’s starting to come together!!

Posted by Tamie Smith on Saturday, February 17, 2018

Finishing second in the CIC* was Brianna Maroney and her 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Kaala Jaadu, who added only time penalties in both jumping phases to finish on 35.5. Amaya Davis and her 10-year-old Holsteiner Evening Attire made a big move up the leaderboard. Sitting tenth after dressage, they added one rail in show jumping but were fault-free on cross country to finish in third on 40.9 in their very first FEI appearance.

Looking to the Advanced, it was Tamie and Kevin Baumgardner’s 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Wembley, who led from the start on a 33.2. They added only two seconds of time on cross country to finish well ahead of the rest of the division in their first start since the Fair Hill International CCI3*.

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo, a 14-year-old British Sport Horse mare, added a rail and 12.8 cross country time penalties to their dressage score to finish second with a 50.7. Alexis Helffrich and Pamela Williams’ 11-year-old Thoroughbred/Warmblood, London Town, rounded out the top three on a final score of 54.2.

We also have to give a big shoutout to friend of EN Frankie Thieriot Stutes for winning the Intermediate division aboard her “pastry loving black horse” Chatwin in her first event back since giving birth to her second son last November. Tamie kept the 10-year-old German Warmblood in work while Frankie was on maternity leave, but Frankie and Chatwin didn’t miss a beat in their first event since the Bromont CCI3* last June, where they finished fourth. #mompower

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Results]



Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Feb 19, 2018 12:40 am -

Valerie Vizcarrondo and Diablo Guapo took home some nice loot with their second place ribbon from Paradise Farm! Photo via Facebook.

It was a glorious, sunny day yesterday, and for the first time since November I popped my horse over a little cross rail in the ring, just for kicks. About two strides out you could see a thought bubble pop above his head – “Oh, we’re doing this now? A little warning would have been nice!” – before putting more far effort than necessary into getting to the other side. Next time around, he literally trotted over it like a ground rail and acted insulted about how small it was. I can’t win.

National Holiday: Presidents’ Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Fratelli Fabbri has announced its 100% animal product-free riding boots are now on the market. Crafted from faux leather and other non-animal components, the Fabbri VEG boots are easier to clean, harder to damage, and more eco-friendly than traditional leather kicks. And they look great, too! [Fabbri Unveils First Vegan Riding Boot]

One of Tamra Smith’s favorite grid exercises helps horses be quick on their feet and fine tune their adjustability. She frequently keeps it set up in the arena at home and now you can, too. In this single exercise, horses must open their stride for a longer distance and compress to bounce. [Grid Pro Quo with Tamra Smith]

It’s no secret, Florida is a great place to be in winter. The weather is almost perfect all the time, and the competition season starts early. The rest of the world must be catching on because Switzerland’s Felix Vogg is spending the winter Stateside. He has family in America and also wanted to get a jump start on the season with his potential WEG horse, Colero, who won an Intermediate division at Rocking Horse this weekend. [Now On Course: From Switzerland to the States for Felix Vogg]

Tack manufacturer Fairfax recently worked with horse and rider analysis specialists Centaur Biomechanics to test how breastplates affect a horse’s jump. What they found was a breastplate changes the shape of a horse’s jump, causing a shorter arc and steeper landing. [Breastplates change the way horses jump, research finds]

Monday Video: Accurate.

Rocking Horse Winter II: Canadians Dominate First Advanced of 2018

By on Feb 18, 2018 5:30 pm -

Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Rocking Horse Winter II Horse Trials hosted the first Advanced event of the 2018 season this weekend in Altoona, FL. Forty-one Advanced combinations competed in two separate divisions distinguished by which dressage test was required (Test A or Test B, with the latter considered more difficult).

The Canadian riders had a banner day winning both Advanced sections. Lisa Marie Fergusson and her 12-year-old Welsh Sport Horse, Honor Me, topped division A. They were 12th after dressage but catapulted up the leaderboard with a double clear show jumping round followed by a clear cross country round and only 3.6 time penalties.

West Coast wonders Jordan Linstedt and her 15-year-old Hanoverian Revitavet Capato held fast to second place throughout, scoring a 25.4 in dressage but adding a rail and some time to their score. Clara Cargile and John and Nancy Cargile’s 18-year-old Irish Sport Horse, White Indian, were another pair to make a big move with two good jumping phases, going from 20th after dressage to finish third overall on a 46.9.

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Buck Davidson was busy with multiple horses in both Advanced divisions. Carlevo, an 11-year-old Holsteiner owned by Carlevo, LLC, and Carl and Cassandra Segal’s 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Park Trader, were fourth and fifth respectively in Advanced A. In the B division, he finished second with Kathleen Cuca’s 13-year-old Thoroughbred, Jak My Style, and fourth with Copper Beach, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by Sherrie Martin and Carl Segal.

Lauren Kieffer placed sixth and seventh in Advanced A with Jacqueline Mars’ 11-year-old Anglo Arabian, Vermiculus, and Team Rebecca LLC’s 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, Veronica. The stablemates were remarkably consistent in their performances, with each adding a rail in show jumping and two seconds difference in time on cross country to ultimately finish within 0.1 penalty points of each other.

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Canada’s second win of the day came from Selena O’Hanlon and John and Judy Rumble’s 15-year-old Canadian Sport Horse, Foxwood High. They finished on a 27.8 to win Advanced B in their first outing since claiming victory at the Fair Hill International CCI3* last October. The pair were tied with Buck Davidson and Jak My Style through the first two phases, but Selena and “Woody” broke the tie by finishing cross country a mere three seconds closer to optimum time.

Elisa Wallace and the Simply Priceless Syndicate’s 17-year-old Australian Thoroughbred, Simply Priceless, rounded out Advanced B’s top three. They scored a 33.1 in dressage and added a rail and a handful of time penalties for a final score of 42.3.

Year after year, Rocking Horse successfully hosts early season events with huge numbers of entries. This weekend’s second of three winter horse trials welcomed well over 500 horses from Beginner Novice to Advanced. Click the link below for complete results. Go eventing.

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Results]

Sunday Video from Total Saddle Fit: Rocking Horse Advanced Water Complex

By on Feb 18, 2018 3:30 pm -

Rocking Horse Winter II Horse Trials kicked off the 2018 Advanced season this weekend in Florida. With that we are happy to welcome the return of RNS Video’s amazing cross country montages! Watch the Advanced competitors cruise through the water complex, which rode well overall but forced you to hold a good line through all four elements.

Visit RNS Video’s YouTube channel for more great competition clips or go to their website to order video of your ride.

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Specifically for eventers, the StretchTec Shoulder Relief Girth now comes in two shades of brown to match monoflap jump saddles! Let your horse move more freely and breathe easier by using the same girth as Tamra Smith. See them all here: totalsaddlefit.com.

Emerging Athletes Groomed for Greatness at USEF Winter Training Sessions

By on Feb 18, 2018 11:22 am -

Tayler Stewart and Ideal Contini at a USEF Emerging Athlete Training Session. Photo by Christina Vaughn, US Equestrian.

Young eventers named to the 2018 USEF Emerging Athlete Eventing 25 (E25) and Emerging Athlete Eventing 18 (E18) lists participated in intense three-day winter training sessions with USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete Coach Leslie Law. These rising stars were named to the Emerging Athlete lists because they have shown potential to one day become U.S. Team riders.

“I have been very excited and inspired by my Emerging Athletes sessions to date this year. The quality of riders has grown exponentially over the past few years and this is definitely the strongest group that the program has seen, yet,” Leslie said. “If the strength we are seeing in the program right now is any indication of the future, it could be quite exciting to see what lies in store for America with this next generation. I am very proud of these riders and very thankful to be part of the program.”

Chris Barnard’s course design lecture. Photo by Christina Vaughn, US Equestrian.

The East Coast training sessions took place at Horsepower Equestrian in Ocala, FL, and the West Coast sessions were hosted by Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula, CA. In addition to riding lessons with Leslie, sessions included unmounted lectures reviewing topics like business and stable management, training practices, travel and competition overseas, course design, judging a dressage test, drugs and medications, and horse and human physiology. Experts from many facets of the equine industry were brought in to lead these discussions.

Show jumping course designer and guest lecturer Chris Barnard said, “It was a pleasure working with the emerging athletes. My goal was to give them a perspective of what the course designer is asking of the horse and rider in the show jumping course. With the way Leslie coached the riders over the course that we set together, they have some exercises to work on with their horses at home that will help their show jumping at events. The feedback I received from many of the riders was positive and I look forward to working with them again.”

Jacob Fletcher in a flat lesson with Leslie Law. Photo by Christina Vaughn, US Equestrian.

While the Emerging Athletes programs exist to highlight talented young riders with future team potential, the educational opportunities provided to these young riders are immeasurable. Here is what a few of the 2018 program participants had to say about their experience.

Delaney Vaden, E18: “The training session was an incredible opportunity! With it comes many new and significant pressures that will help enhance my competitiveness and make me work harder to develop a career. This feels very real and I am thrilled to be able to work with these professionals, gaining their advice and wisdom!”

Jacob Fletcher, E25: “It was educational to watch Leslie give individualized training plans for each combination. I was most excited about being back around other young riders and top U.S. riders. At times, I find it hard to stay in a fiercely competitive mindset in Arkansas, but being surrounded by the top brass refueled my competitive fire, and for that, I am grateful.”

Chris Talley, E25: “It was a great experience that I was honored to be a part of. I’m always looking to add to my tool box in the development of our horses. I came out of the program with a number of new tools and exercises that I’m excited to use to further educate myself and our horses.”

EN featured some of the first-time E25 athletes in a series of rider profiles this winter. Click here to read their stories! To read a detailed report on the E18 training session in Ocala, click here.

Learn more about the Emerging Athlete Eventing 25 Program and the Eventing 18 Program on the US Equestrian website. The USEF International High Performance Programs are supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.

[Emerging Athlete Eventing 25 and Emerging Athlete Eventing 18 Program Participants Complete Intensive Training Sessions in Ocala and Temecula]

Sale Ushers in New Era for Poplar Place Farm

By on Feb 18, 2018 9:00 am -

After 12 years of being ‘show parents,’ Donna and Gary Stegman embarked on a journey to build Poplar Place Farm in Hamilton, Georgia, a sprawling 188-acre dressage and eventing facility that quickly became a premier venue in Area III. Sixteen years after the first horse trials at Poplar Place, the Stegmans elected to hang up their organizer hats and sold the farm last October.

“We built Poplar Place Farm because we love eventing – the sport, horses and people,” the Stegmans told EN. “Our first event in May 2001 ran on the date that had for many years been the Midland Horse Trials weekend. For their final event in 2000, they printed a bumper sticker that said ‘We didn’t get rich, we just got old—so Midland Horse Trials is going to fold.’ After 17 years, we share this sentiment. It was time for us to retire and enjoy other interests.”

As organizers, Donna and Gary set the bar high and inspired new and existing venues to rise to their standard. It is truly the end of an era as we bid the Stegmans farewell.

“Eventing is a great sport — caring for the horse’s welfare and demonstrating great sportsmanship. We hope it will retain these qualities for many years to come. We have many fond memories to take with us and friends that we will cherish for life. We wish the best to the eventing community.”

Amanda Beale Clement and Peter Pan through the Poplar Leaf. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Donna and Gary have passed the torch to the facility’s new owner, Launa DesPortes. Launa has loved horses since childhood but never had the opportunity to ride regularly. She made aviation her career, as both a commercial pilot and manager of a fleet of charter aircraft.

Launa recently reduced her workload so she could focus on the horses. She and her husband were considering building a barn on another property, but the timing seemed right to purchase Poplar. Launa said, “It’s hard to explain. I don’t know why I was drawn to do it, but there was a drive to buy the place. I wasn’t even thinking about running the shows and then I thought I can’t be the one responsible for that going away.”

Recognizing the venue’s importance on the Area III calendar, Launa has pledged to continue running events. Her vision for the future focuses on facility upgrades and active community involvement. Work has already begun in earnest.

Launa started by building a team to help her navigate unfamiliar territory as a horse show venue owner. She’s hired Shelley Page and Rick Dunkerton as organizer and secretary, respectively. FEI course designer John Williams will revamp the cross country with Tyson Rementer and Rob Mobley building fences. Jan Brodkin will continue as the show jumping course designer and utilizing a brand new set of show jumps from Jumps by Fuzzy.

“I’m used to having a lot of moving parts and a lot of things going on. I’m not out of my comfort zone, but I’m having to learn about everything and on a timeline,” Launa said. “I have good people on board to help me with shows and then I can focus on doing what I like to do, which is getting the community involved.”

Katie Bartz and As You Wish in the grass show jumping arena. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Launa has already drawn up a long list of plans to bring more of the local community to Poplar Place as spectators and volunteers. The venue has a dedicated following of volunteers, but Launa is communicating with area school systems about enabling students to earn community service hours working at shows.

Increasing spectators is also a priority. “My vision is to make it something for the whole family. Spectators feed our sport. Exposure through word of mouth and social media will get them here, and once they see it they will make a point to come back.”

Schooling show and horse trials attendance will be bolstered by family-friendly vendors, demonstrations and activities. Launa also hopes to increase the venue’s popularity across more equestrian disciplines. “By broadening the base, the spectators will follow.”

This year the focus will be to invest back into the property and build upon the already solid foundation of the farm’s infrastructure. To ensure adequate preparation for Poplar’s debut under new ownership, the first two horse trials of the year (January and February) were cancelled. Nationally recognized competitions will begin in March, and FEI levels will return to Poplar Place in 2019. Going forward, competitors will see only four annual horse trials on the calendar, a significant decrease from the previously scheduled seven.

“To me the horse trials need to be more of an event that happens and not just a place to go for qualifications,” Launa said. “I consider Red Hills an event. People plan their calendar around Red Hills. That’s what I’m hoping to do by only running four really nice horse trials. I want to make it a special place that people want to plan their calendar around.”

Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes in Poplar’s main competition arena. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The 2018 competition season at Poplar Place officially begins next weekend with the first of several unrecognized schooling shows, for which Launa has very special plans. Every future Poplar Place schooling show will highlight a different local charity, and the entry fees from one unique division will be donated to that charity.

For the February schooling show, Begin Again Farms Equine Shelter will receive the proceeds from the creatively marketed Seasoned and Sexy Amoeba Challenge. In this division, teams of various age groups from 35 to over 50 will compete at the Amoeba (Starter) level. From what we hear, competitors are taking this production to the next level with team costumes, stable decor, roaming beverage carts (genius) and general hilarity.

My own mother is traveling across three States to “groom” for friends and has agreed (or rather, insisted) to report on the Seasoned and Sexy Amoeba Challenge for EN. We’re going to cut her loose with a camera and notepad, so stay tuned for what will surely be some of the most entertaining coverage in EN history.

The Master at work! Amoeba jump #1…

Posted by Poplar Place Farm on Thursday, February 15, 2018

Launa’s vision for the future is to take Poplar Place to new heights, but she also hopes to contribute to strengthening the sport of eventing as a whole. “There are new places being built, but I don’t look at other venues as being competition. We are really all competing with the other things people spend their disposable income doing. We have to stick together as a horse community, build each other up and make it good for the sport overall.”

Launa added, “I am so thankful the Stegmans built this place because if they hadn’t I wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

From all of us at EN and on behalf of the eventing community, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Donna and Gary for your many years of service to the sport. Thank you also to Launa for keeping its spirit alive at Poplar Place. Go eventing.

Sunday Links Presented by One K Helmets

By on Feb 18, 2018 12:01 am -

Not even a year old, Charlotte Coleman has mastered Blue Steel. What a cutie! She’s certainly keeping busy this weekend watching dad compete at Rocking Horse Winter 2. They are hosting a massive event this weekend as our Florida friends keep the busy winter season rolling.

National Holiday: National Drink Wine Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Results]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Results]

Sunday Links: 

Former riders in the running for medals at Winter Olympics

Grid Pro Quo with Tamra Smith

Rosie Fry’s eventing blog: thank you and goodbye

Dry boot system a good option for cooling legs of laminitic horses – study

The Evolution of Thoroughbred Aftercare

Pennsylvania Rider Takes Part In Emerging Athletes Training

Barn 10 at Belmont Park Placed Under EHM Quarantine

Sunday Video:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Six Prospects Ready to Reach Their Full Potential

By on Feb 17, 2018 6:07 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN each week. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

Last week we talked packers. This week it’s all about prospects! If you prefer to develop your event horse from the ground up, check out these six youngsters for sale. They have all the right attributes and athletic potential to excel in the sport. All they need is a guiding hand to show them the way!

Gator. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Exciting Young Horse for any discipline

Gator is a 6 year old grey gelding. Gator is a straight forward all around great horse. He has excelled with his flatwork and jumping. He loves hacking out and going XC. He has a soft mouth and is easy to put together. He is sound, injury free, and has great feet. With his easy going sweet disposition he is a great fit to any program of family. He is ideal for a Jr/AA or talented enough for a professional. Videos available on request.

Gator is a 6 year old grey gelding. Gator is a straight forward all around great horse. He has excelled with his flatwork and jumping. He loves hacking out and going XC. He has a soft mouth and is easy to put together. He is sound, injury free, and has great feet. With his easy going sweet disposition he is a great fit to any program of family. He is ideal for a Jr/AA or talented enough for a professional. Videos available on request. Located in Kentucky.

Razzle Dazzle. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Razzle Dazzle – purpose bred upper level eventing prospect

Razzle Dazzle is a super flashy, leggy 2015 filly with fancy gaits and an impressive jump who should mature 16.1-16.3. Get your next CCI**** winner now!

Razzle Dazzle’s sire, Rabble Rouser, is by Virginia Tech’s Oldenburg stallion Royal Appearance who finished 4th in the 100-Day Stallion Test and was Reserve Champion in the 2001 East Coast 6-Year Old Young Jumper Finals. Royal Appearance sired Royal Raconteur who was 5th and Best Conditioned at the Jersey Fresh CCI2* and 2nd at the Blair Castle CCI3* in Scotland with Clark Montgomery.

Royal Appearance was sired by Riverman who himself sired CCI**** horses R-Star and Slate River. Rabble Rouser’s dam is OTTB mare Irish Lace (JC – Femme Sol’e) who was competed through the CCI** level by an adult amateur. Rabble Rouser was kicked in the hip as a yearling causing a fracture that slipped and ended his riding career before it ever started; however, we have retained him and used him as a sire because of his lovely temperament, build, movement and excellent genetics.

Razzle’s dam, is OTTB Report to Sloopy, who is an RHPSI Premium Mare and was the high scoring mare at her RHPSI inspection. She is also half sister to the Grade One CCI**** event horse Sloopy ridden by John Williams. Report to Sloopy is the dam of Quantum Leap currently competing with Doug Payne.

At 85% TB with a lofty trot and killer gallop, look no further for your next mount. Located in North Carolina.

Crystal. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Sweet and brave OTTB 16.2 Mare

Crystal is a 9Yr. OTTB 16.2H mare. She has only been in a program for 45 days and has shown to be a very smart and willing to try her best to understand a new career. She has just started jumping but seem to enjoy any challenge I present her. She has been off the track for about 3 years but had been just left in a field. She is a lovely horse looking for her second chance. Located in Pennsylvania.

Bea Casual. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Bea Casual: Lovely Young Eventer

Bea Casual: 2013 16.2h bay Thoroughbred/Percheron mare. This young event horse has already started competing, winning a starter event and recently finished 2nd at her first recognized event this year (finishing on her dressage score!). She is a good jumper that would be suited to a variety of disciplines. Bea’s lovely attitude makes her suitable for a junior, young rider or adult amateur. Located in South Carolina.

Ready After All. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Awesome event horse prospect!

Are You Ready Eventing proudly offers for sale: Ready After All. “Alliah” is a 4 year old, 16h, bay, Thoroughbred Mare. She has super movement on the flat and great form over fences. She has been in a program with four star event rider, Kristen Bond, for about a year. She has good feet and no vices. Will be competing very soon. Located in Aiken, Sc for the winter.

Fruedian Act. Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Gorgeous TB Mare with Potential Written All Over!

Fruedian Act (aka Sig) is an 8 year old TB Mare – approximately 16.1 hh. This mare is perfectly put together and a pure powerhouse when it comes to movement and jumping. She has a big, flowing, uphill movement and seems to love jumping anything you put in front of her.

While she has not yet been to the show arena (her training has been better served with a slow and steady approach), someone with patience will win big time with this lovely girl. Sig can be a little nervous about life, and a bit spunky at times, so will require a confident, steady rider.

I’ve spent a lot of time working with and riding Sig all over the countryside (including roads), and found her not only a joy to work with, but also a quick study and a horse who seems to take sincere pleasure in developing a relationship with her person.

On the ground she is pleasant and loving, well mannered for the usual necessities, and will easily steal your heart if you let her. I’ve only begun to tap in on her potential, but time and financial limitations require a sale. Located in New York.

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy Returning to Ocala for March Clinic

By on Feb 17, 2018 1:16 pm -

Joseph Murphy teaching at Horsepower Equestrian. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Following his successful cross country clinic in Ocala, Florida earlier this month, Irish Olympian Joseph Murphy has announced he is making a return trip to Horsepower Equestrian on March 11-13 to get horses and riders tuned up for the competition season.

Whether you want to build confidence on cross country for yourself or your horse, sharpen your jumping skills, or simply have a fabulous time riding with one of Ireland’s best, there is something for everyone at Joseph’s clinics.

The three-day clinic is open to riders and horses of all levels, from Beginner Novice to Advanced, and all will walk away having gained an immense amount of knowledge and new tools to use on cross country going forward for the season.

“I assess the riders and the horses and see what level I can get them to in their training in a short space of time,” Joseph said. “When the riders go away from the clinic, I want them to have the tools to be able to progress their horses from what I have done to what they can do on their own.”

Lisa Hickey and No Pips at Joseph Murphy’s February clinic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Joseph certainly challenged riders in his February clinic, and he said he was delighted with their progress and is looking forward to returning. “Some of them were out of their comfort zone because of what I was asking them to do, but I thought their attitude and reaction was really good.”

Feedback has been very positive from the riders who participated in Joseph’s February clinic. Click here to read EN’s full clinic report. Read on for a sampling of what other riders had to say:

Jeanie Clarke: “Best cross country training I have ever had. It’s about riding, thinking, reacting, confidence and athleticism. Do it.”

Marcea Funk: “Every rider was challenged on becoming a better class of rider for the horses. Joseph found all our weaknesses quickly and proved how important it was mentally to stay focused, especially with how challenging our courses are becoming.”

Julieann Prettyman: “Joseph gave me the confidence to not only ask harder questions and jump bigger things but also to make mistakes and embrace them as part of the learning curve with the younger horses.”

Jimmie Schramm: “He methodically worked with every pair as he would if he were training his own horse, ticking off the boxes of what the horse and rider were proficient at and what needed to be addressed and worked through.”

Jean Thomas and Connor at Joseph Murphy’s February clinic. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The cost for Joseph’s clinic on March 11-13 is $150 for one day, $290 for two days and $420 for all three days; the facility fee for Horsepower Equestrian is included. Lessons are small group sessions and approximately 80 minutes long. Auditors are welcome!

Riders who return for multiple days will be challenged with different exercises building on the previous days. Only early morning sessions will be available on the third day, which will focus on simulating a competition type of scenario.

For more information or to book, email [email protected] and include the level of horse and rider. Limited stalls are available and can be reserved by contacting Liz Halliday-Sharp at [email protected]. Spots are expected to fill quickly, so don’t wait! Join the clinic event page on Facebook here.

Many thanks to Al Sharp and Liz Halliday-Sharp for hosting at their stunning facility. If you haven’t yet ridden at Horsepower Equestrian, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. The cross country course designed by Pan American Games course builder Greg Schlappi is one of the best private facilities in Ocala.

Learn more about Joseph on his website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Go Eventing.